Whilst I was under the car checking the 100 Amp Fuse I noticed that oil was leaking from around the sump plug. This annoyed me as I'd seen drips on the drive way for a while but couldn't work out where it was coming from. I didn't expect it to be so obvious.
The old sump plug:
I diagnosed the problem as either: a) Plug being loose as a result of being bashed (note the scratches on the sump) or b) the seals failing.
Whilst it didn't feel loose I figured it might be worth trying out Steve Heath's replacement sump plug and so I ordered one from his website.
The New Plug
Delivery was amazingly quick, it arrived the next day complete with instructions.
Here's the new plug:
Note the rounded edges which help to stop is coming undone, the plug is turned with a 10mm allen-key. It also features a magnet to catch any metallic junk in the oil.
The magnet is pretty strong:
Installation
The instructions recommend changing the plug at the next oil change (for obvious reasons), however I was confident that with the car on stands I could do a swift swap.
I did manage to do it but I lost about 1/2 litre of oil. The only problem I had was that clearance between the plug and the exhaust was a bit tight for my allen key. Nothing that an angle-grinder (on the key) couldn't solve though.
The new plug in place:
Since changing the plug not one drop has leaked (I placed a dinner plate under it to be sure).
So in summary it's a big thumbs-up, it's inexpensive, well designed, delivery is swift and it seems to have solved the problem.
